Brakes tend to be overlooked by automobile owners. The average car or truck owner thinks about things like acceleration, overall horsepower, gas mileage, and more – but braking doesn’t tend to be part of the conversation. And that’s a shame. After all, having the ability to accelerate your vehicle down the road is only useful if you can slow it back down in a controlled manner. To be sure, the braking system on your vehicle is one of the most important safety features you have at your disposal.

At Taylor & Sons Chevrolet, we take brake maintenance very seriously. We want each and every one of our customers to be able to come to a comfortable stop each time they press down on the brake pedal. Of course, we can only provide your vehicle with quality brake service if you bring that vehicle to us in the first place. So, how do you know when your brakes need to be replaced? Let’s take a closer look at that important question.

What’s That Noise?

Often, the first sign that you are in need of a brake job is when you press down on the brake pedal – and an unpleasant noise follows shortly thereafter. If your brakes are squeaking, it may be time for new pads. One common mistake is for drivers to think that they can just keep driving with squeaky brakes, perhaps turning up their radio along the way to drown out the noise. You don’t want to go in this direction, however, as the squeaking could be a sign that your brakes aren’t going to continue working properly for much longer. If their performance deteriorates, your safety on the road could be compromised.

Of course, as is often the case with motor vehicles, a simple squeaking noise is not a guarantee that you need new brakes. The only way to know what your vehicle needs is to bring it in for an evaluation. Come see the team at Taylor & Sons Chevrolet for all the help you need. We will be happy to figure out what kind of care your brakes need, and we’ll be happy to do the work promptly, and for a fair rate.

A Shaky Stop

In addition to a noisy braking experience, you may also notice that something is wrong when your vehicle shakes noticeably under normal braking. As the miles add up, the condition of your brakes is sure to wear down, and this kind of shaking may develop. Even though you should still be able to come to a stop, you’ll be able to tell that something is ‘off’ within the braking system. The shaking is often due to worn out rotors which have become uneven. By replacing these rotors, you can get rid of the shaking. Of course, there are other possibilities which can lead to shaking, so you will want to turn to our team for help.

This point mirrors the point on noisy brakes, as many drivers choose to just ignore this feeling while driving. Since the car is still stopping, you might not think that it’s a big deal to put up with a little shaking. That’s the wrong way to think about this situation. By shaking, your car is telling you that something needs to be done about the condition of your brakes. Instead of ignoring this sign, take action right away to bring your brakes back into good condition. Contact Taylor & Sons Chevrolet to schedule an appointment and our qualified team of technicians will be happy to address your braking issues.

Decreased Stopping Power

This is the big one, and you won’t want to waste any time at all if you notice this sign on the roads. When you apply the brakes, are you stopping in the usual amount of time? You should know your vehicle better than anyone, so you should be able to tell when something changes. If you aren’t stopping as quickly as you expect, there is a good chance that your brakes need to be replaced. They are no longer holding up their end of the bargain on the roads, and your safety may be compromised as a result. The ability to stop quickly when necessary is inherent to a safe driving experience.

It should be noted that you don’t have to be a professional driver, or even a driving enthusiast, to notice performance problems with your brakes. As long as you drive on a regular basis, you are more than qualified to monitor the performance of your stopping system. Also, you don’t need to do anything like measure how far it takes you to stop from a certain distance. This isn’t a sign that needs to be quantified – it is all about feel. If you feel that it is taking you longer than normal to stop your car, there is a good chance you are right.

Caring for your brakes is just one piece of the overall vehicle maintenance puzzle. Brakes are important, of course, but so are things like oil changes, tire rotations, and many more. You can only expect to get the best out of your vehicle when you give it the care that it requires on an ongoing basis. The team at Taylor & Sons Chevrolet would love to help you take care of all of these important maintenance points. By working with us, you can be sure that a qualified technician will be responsible for keeping your vehicle in top condition each time it heads out of our shop and onto the roads of Ponderay and beyond.

Don’t make the mistake of ignoring the signs of brake trouble. It is extremely important that your brakes remain in proper working order as you go about your day to day life. When something seems amiss with your braking system, call or stop by Taylor & Sons Chevrolet right away. Thank you for taking the time to visit, and we hope to see you soon!

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How to Select the Best Oil for My Car?

The engine under the hood of your car is incredibly complex. Unless you are an automotive engineer with years of experience, it is nearly impossible to understand how all of the moving pieces work together to create the power used to propel you down the road. While most of us don’t have the technical knowledge to decipher how an engine works, we can know one thing – engine oil is crucial for consistent, reliable performance.

An internal combustion engine relies on oil for proper operation, which is why car dealers make such a big deal of having your oil changed regularly. Maintaining the condition of the oil in your engine by replacing it regularly, and by replacing the oil filter, is likely the most important thing you can do to support your car’s health.

With that said, how do you know which oil is going to be best for your needs? If you aren’t an automotive expert, you might feel a little overwhelmed when you get ready to have an oil change completed. The combination of letters and numbers which denote different oils may seem like a foreign language, and many car owners just wind up picking the cheapest option. Considering how important this decision is for the care of your car, we think it’s better that you don’t leave it to chance.

Start by Going to the Source

The first thing you should do when trying to figure out which oil to put in your car is to check your owner’s manual. As is the case with just about everything else that has to do with your vehicle, the answer should be in this book. The owner’s manual is sure to recommend an oil, or at least a range of oils, that will work properly in your engine. You would be wise to take this advice to heart, as no one is going to know better than the car’s maker in terms of what oil should be used.

While it is smart to follow the recommendation of the owner’s manual, you can also make your decision in part on the weather in your area. Here in North Idaho, it is sure to get cold during the winter months – meaning you will want an oil that is able to perform well at low temperatures. An oil which flows more easily in cold weather is going to allow your engine to perform properly even on those cold December mornings.

Why Are There Two Numbers?

If you are shopping for motor oil, you may find that many of the bottles have two numbers of them. For example, you might find an oil which is rated as 5W-30, and another that is rated at 10W-30. What does this mean? It’s actually quite simple. These numbers are evaluations of the oil’s viscosity, or its ability to flow. The lower the number, the easier the oil will flow in the engine.

So, why are there two? The first number is a rating of the oil’s viscosity when the engine is cold. From the example above, the 5W-30 oil is going to flow easier at cold temperatures than the 10W-30. However, these oils should flow similarly at high temperatures, since they both have a rating of 30 when the engine is warm. Drivers hitting the roads around Ponderay in the winter months will likely want to have an oil with a low first number, to promote good performance in cold temperatures. Of course, even when trying to match up your oil selection to the weather conditions, you still need to make sure you are picking an oil which is okay to use in your engine.

An Aging Problem

As the miles add up on your vehicle, you might want to think about using a ‘high-mileage oil’. This type of motor oil is designed specifically to work well in older engines. There are usually some seal conditioners added to these oils, meaning the oil can attempt to eliminate – or, at least, reduce – some of the oil that may be leaking from your engine during operation. As is always the case, you need to make sure that the high-mileage oil you pick is going to be a good match for your engine by checking the owner’s manual.

With regard to high-mileage oil, it should be noted that you shouldn’t automatically make the switch just because your odometer clicks past a specific number. If you don’t seem to be using an unusual amount of oil, and if you aren’t seeing oil stains under your car in the driveway or the garage, you are probably fine to continue with standard oil. Considering the fact that high-mileage oil tends to be more expensive than other options, there is no point in making a change unless it will actually benefit your engine.

The Best Choice of All

After all of this discussion, we are going to point out that the best option is simply to bring your vehicle to Taylor & Sons Chevrolet so our team can work with you on selecting the right oil. Our service department is filled with Certified Technicians who are well-versed in the various oils on the market today. We’ll advise you on which oils will work in your engine, what you stand to gain by picking certain options, and how much each will cost. The choice is always going to be yours in the end, of course, but our expertise can help simplify what can be a complicated decision.

The team at Taylor & Sons Chevrolet is friendly, experienced, and here to help. Whether you need an oil change or some other kind of service completed, you can bet that we are up to the task. Thank you for taking the time to visit our blog, and please feel free to contact us if you have any questions about the oil that should be used in your vehicle. We look forward to serving you!

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Oil Change Showdown! Quick Lube vs. Dealership
When it’s time for an oil change, where do you turn? To do stop by the quick lube place that is on the way home from work, or do you make an appointment to come see the team at Taylor & Sons Chevrolet. As you might imagine, we think the latter of those two options is going to serve you best. Why? Read on!

Cheap is… Cheap
When you go shopping, do you always buy the cheapest thing you can find on the shelves? Probably not. Everyone likes to save money, but there is a balance between saving money and purchasing quality items. If you buy the cheapest pair of jeans available, for instance, you will probably be shopping for jeans again soon – because that cheap pair is going to wear out quickly. By investing in a quality pair of jeans, you might actually wind up saving money in the long run.

This same logic can be applied to oil changes. If you head to a quick lube place to have your oil changed on the cheap, you should be worried about the quality of that oil change. Are they going to use a good oil filter? What about the oil itself? Most likely, you are going to get what you pay for, meaning poor quality oil filters and low-grade oil.

At a dealership like Taylor & Sons Chevrolet, things are going to be different. We are going to use factory parts, meaning you will have a quality oil filter installed as part of the oil change. The oil itself will be a high-quality product as well, and it will be the right one for your vehicle. Will you have to pay a little more for the oil change? Maybe – but that money should be considered an investment in the future of your vehicle. Also, many drivers are surprised to find that our oil changes are not actually much more expensive than the quick lube places around town.

Dealerships Can Be Efficient, Too
One of the things that might keep you away from the dealership when getting an oil change is the fear that you’ll be stuck in our waiting room all day long. At a quick lube place, you will feel like you’re going to be in and out in no time – after all, ‘quick’ is right there in the name. However, a quality dealership like Taylor & Sons will value your business, and you might not be in our waiting room nearly as long as you expect. Our team respects your time, and we will do our best to have your car back to you promptly, while never sacrificing the quality of the work.

Going Beyond an Oil Change
When you bring your vehicle to Taylor & Sons for an oil change, you can count on our team doing more than just changing the filter, draining the old oil, and pouring in the new. We’ll also take a look around your vehicle to make sure there are no other problems which need to be addressed such as Brake Service or Battery Service. If you do have any issues to either monitor or fix, we’ll let you know and discuss the options for moving forward. This is the kind of service you are not going to find at a typical quick lube place, and it is yet another advantage on the side of the dealership.

Convenient for Service Milestones
At specific mileage intervals, you are going to need to have more than your oil changed. You’ll need to have other work done on your vehicle as well, in accordance with the directions provided in the owner’s manual. If you are used to coming to the dealership for your regular oil changes, you can do the same when the time comes for a bigger service visit. We’ll be able to handle all of the work at the same time, so you can drive away knowing all pertinent maintenance points have been addressed. And, of course, the work will be done by our experienced and talented team of technicians. Taylor & Sons has worked hard to earn the trust of drivers throughout Northern Idaho, and we build on that reputation each day with the quality service we provide.

Put Your Car in the Right Hands
You want experienced and knowledgeable professionals working on your vehicle. That is exactly what you will find at Taylor & Sons Chevrolet – but it might not be the case at a quick lube shop. The Certified Service Technicians know how your vehicle works, and they know the kind of care it needs to run at its best. An oil change might not be the most complicated job in an auto shop, but it still needs to be done correctly. And, if you need more complicated work performed, our team is here and ready for the challenge.

It isn’t a good idea to cut corners on any of the maintenance you have performed on your vehicle. To get the most from your car, truck, or SUV, you want to provide it with great care along the way. By sticking with the recommended service intervals, and letting only qualified technicians look under the hood, you will be off to a great start in terms of car ownership.

Thank you for taking the time to visit our blog. We hope that you have gained an appreciation for the dealership oil change, and why it actually might be your best bet. Once you look past the appeal of a low price and a potentially quick stop, you’ll see the quick lube shops have some downsides which shouldn’t be ignored. By bringing your vehicle to Taylor & Sons for all of your oil changes and other maintenance, you’ll be treated well by a professional staff that is up to every job. We look forward to your visit!

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As you already know, oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle. Without oil, your gasoline or diesel engine would not be able to function properly, and you wouldn’t be going anywhere. Using the right oil – and changing that oil on a regular basis – is one of the keys to automotive ownership.

In recent years, synthetic oils have become more and more popular, thanks to a number of advantages over traditional oil. In fact, many modern vehicles require the use of synthetic oil. So, what is so great about this kind of oil, and why should you consider it for your vehicle (if suitable)? Let’s take a look at some of the main selling points below.

Of course, if you would like to get this information straight from a professional, please feel free to stop by Taylor & Sons Chevrolet to speak with our maintenance team about the right oil for your vehicle. We are always happy to help!

Cold Weather Flow
Here in Idaho, this is a big one, so it makes sense to start our list on this point. Synthetic oils tend to flow better when the temperatures drop, meaning they are the perfect choice in cold climates. Using your vehicle in cold weather is just a fact of life in Idaho, so it only makes sense to provide your engine with an oil that is up to the task. To help care for and protect your engine during the harsh winter months, a synthetic oil change is a wise choice.

Get It Started
Before you can worry about vehicle performance on the road, you have to get your vehicle started in the first place. That should be a little bit easier with synthetic oil. Basically, synthetic oil is slicker than ‘regular’ oil, which means it doesn’t need to work as hard to make its way around the engine. When you fire up your engine, everything is cold and it can be tough for oil to get around until things warm up. Through the use of synthetic oil, you’ll be able to start the engine with less trouble, meaning your vehicle should be more reliable in the end.

Improved Efficiency
While simply using synthetic oil is not going to turn a big V-8 engine into a fuel efficiency champion, you can experience some gas mileage benefits when you use this type of oil. Your engine should run smoother when it has been provided with synthetic oil, meaning it won’t have to work as hard and it should use less fuel to get you from one place to the next. Don’t expect to find huge gas mileage gains as a result of this one change, but it is another point which can be placed in the ‘benefits’ category.

More Horsepower
Everyone loves more power under the hood – well, almost everyone – and switching to a synthetic oil may deliver just that. Again, this boils down to efficiency. With an engine that is running smoothly, and at a cooler temperature, you should find more power being delivered to the wheels when you press on the pedal. Just as was the case with the previous point, you shouldn’t expect a dramatic change here, but rather a minor one that can lead to slightly better performance out on the road.

Longer Intervals
Perhaps one of the nicest benefits of using synthetic oil is the fact that you won’t need to bring the vehicle in as frequently for an oil change. If you have long-heard that an oil change should be performed every 3,000-miles, you are a little behind the times. Well, actually, that isn’t quite true – if you still use traditional oil, you should head in for an oil change at roughly 3,000-miles (depending on make and model).

However, for vehicles using synthetic oil, that interval can be more than doubled. It is common for vehicles using synthetic oil to carry a recommendation of 7,000-miles or more between changes. For you as a vehicle owner, that means fewer trips to the dealership for oil changes, and more time spent out living your life.

On the Other Hand
Overall, there is a lot to like about using synthetic oil. As we have already shown with the points listed above, there are many benefits to using synthetic oil in your vehicle, and those benefits should not be overlooked. However, as is the case with just about any new product that comes on the market, there are pros and cons to be weighed. We believe the pros far outweigh the cons when it comes to synthetic oil, but we feel the need to point one main drawback anyway.

As you might expect, the main drawback to be seen with synthetic oil is the fact that it is significantly more expensive than traditional oil. In most cases, you will pay between two and three times as much for synthetic oil as you will pay for a traditional oil, which can be a shock at first. If you are used to having quick and cheap oil changes performed on your vehicle, you might not like the adjustment to costlier changes. Of course, since you don’t need to change the oil nearly as often, the difference in price works out to be roughly a wash in the long run.

There isn’t much bad to say about synthetic motor oil. Sure, it is more expensive, but you aren’t going to be coming in for an oil change nearly as often, thanks to the durability of the product. By working with a Chevrolet Certified Service expert here in Sandpoint Id at Taylor & Sons Chevrolet, you can pick out the right synthetic oil for your vehicle. Whether your vehicle requires a synthetic or you just want to do everything you can to protect your engine, we’ll make sure your oil changes are performed properly each time you visit. Thank you for taking the time to stop by our site, and we look forward to serving you soon!

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Winter in Ponderay, Idaho can be cold – really cold. It seems that we are always dealing with either snow that makes the roads obviously dangerous, or ice which makes the road dangerous without even being visible. Either way, making your way around this region throughout the winter months requires both patience and the right equipment.

Speaking of equipment, a good set of winter tires should be high on your list when the cold weather settles in. Winter tires don’t guarantee that you will maintain control on the roads, but they certainly are a good start. When paired with four-wheel-drive and some common sense, good winter tires can help you make it safely to your destination in a variety of conditions.

Do you know what to look for in a good set of winter tires? Unfortunately, there are a lot of confusing marketing terms out there, which make each winter tire sound better than the last. What should you believe? Let’s take a look at some of the keys to consider when shopping for winter tires. Of course, if you still have any questions at the end of this article, please feel free to stop by Taylor & Sons Chevrolet for assistance.

They Need to Match
For starters, it is important to understand that you should have the same tire on all four wheels on your vehicle. Some people will try to get by placing winter tires on the drive axle (of a two-wheel drive vehicle) while keeping their all-season tires on the other axle. This is not a good idea. You do not want to have different degrees of grip in the front of your car as compared to the back.

We understand that you would like to save money – but this is not the way to do it. When you put snow tires on your vehicle, place them on all four wheels to ensure that they can perform properly. Not only will using just two winter tires negate the advantage of buying those tires in the first place, it might actually cause your vehicle to handle worse than if you just left the tires alone. Simply put, don’t make this mistake.

All-Around Performance in the Winter
The name ‘winter tire’ is different from snow tire, and for good reason. Rather than just being useful when the snow falls (or has fallen), good winter tires will be suitable in the rain, or in dry, cold conditions. Look for tires that have tread patterns which will allow you to drive safely and comfortably on a rainy night as well as a snowy afternoon. If you pick tires which have been designed only to work in deep snow, you will probably be disappointed in their performance in all other conditions.
Stick with Name Brands, Bridgestone is a great one!

Again, this is another point where it will pay off in the long run if you are willing to invest the proper amount of money in your purchase. Rather than looking for the cheapest tires you can find which are still classified as winter tires, be willing to spend the money for a quality set from a recognized name brand. Remember, you are only going to use these tires for part of the year, so the miles will accumulate slowly. As long as you treat them right and store them properly throughout the warm part of the year, you should be able to expect many years of performance out of this set. The upfront cost might not be a lot of fun, but buying good tires from a reputable local company will pay off in the long run.

The Right Rubber
Winter tires are not just about the tread pattern that is designed to chew up the snow and spit it out to the sides and behind your vehicle. Rather, one of the biggest difference between ‘regular’ tires and winter tires is the rubber. When the temperatures drop, the rubber used in regular tires can get hard and slick. You don’t need to be a professional driver to know that the words ‘hard’ and ‘slick’ are not good news when it comes to tires.

When you place a quality set of winter tires on your vehicle, you will have a rubber working for you that has been designed to perform in cold temperatures. The compound used in winter tires does its best work when the temperatures drop, offering performance which keeps the tire flexible enough to help you gain traction on the roadway.

A Good Winter Tire is One Which is Driven Properly
The best tires in the world can’t make up for bad winter driving. If you want to get around the Ponderay area safe and sound all winter long, one of the best things you can do is drive in a cautious manner. As a local resident, you are probably pretty familiar with the basics of winter driving, but it is never a bad idea to remind yourself of the good habits necessary to drive in the cold weather.

Some of the key points are listed below –

• Increase your following distance so you have time to react to the vehicle in front of you
• Reduce your average speed
• Give yourself more time to reach your destination so you don’t have to rush
• Play it safe when unsure of conditions – don’t take unnecessary risks
• Do your best to accelerate and decelerate gradually. Sudden changes in speed can cause you to lose control

If you would like to have a quality set of winter tires installed on your vehicle, please stop by Taylor & Sons Chevrolet in Ponderay, ID. We have a team of experienced technicians who will be happy to work on your vehicle, and we’ll gladly answer any questions you may have. We love caring for our customers, and one of the most important things we can do is send you out on the road with a set of tires that will help keep you safe. We hope to see you soon, and stay warm!

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Let’s be honest – it’s not hard to find somewhere to get your oil changed. There are several oil change options in any city of decent size (finding an oil change in Sandpoint is true to this as well), and it seems that big cities have a lube place on nearly every corner. Also, you can even change the oil in your vehicle on your own, if you have the right equipment (and knowledge).

So are all of these options the same? Of course not. It matters where you get your oil changed, because the quality of the work that goes into your vehicle is going to be represented in the quality of performance you get. Even with something as simple as an oil change, attention to detail can make all the difference. The oil change we offer here at Taylor & Sons is designed to provide your car with exactly what it needs, at exactly the right time.

To help you make your oil change decision, we have highlighted six important points below. Take these points into consideration – and then call Taylor & Sons to schedule your appointment!

#1 – Technicians Who Know Your CarHow often does your oil need to be changed? For many years, the standard answer to that question was 3,000 miles. However, with newer cars, the interval may be significantly longer. While you can find this information in the owner’s manual for your vehicle, there are many other pieces of information that are only gathered through experience. By taking your vehicle to a dealership which works with vehicles day after day, you can be sure that experience and knowledge will be on your side.

#2 – Price is a Factor – But Not the Only OneWhen picking out a shop for your next oil change, you certainly should consider cost – but that should not be your only consideration. If you just head to the cheapest shop around, you will probably receive a poor quality oil and lackluster attention to detail. The cost savings you will enjoy by picking the cheap option is not going to be repaid to you in the long run. Of course, you don’t have to pick the most expensive option, either. The best choice is the shop that offers a fair price while having the experience to get the job done properly.

#3 – Find a Track RecordYou don’t want to turn your vehicle over to someone you can’t trust. Even if the job at hand is only an oil change, it would still be a mistake to opt for an unproven business rather than a long-standing dealership. At Taylor & Sons, you can rest assured that we have been doing this kind of work for years, and we have a long list of satisfied customers all throughout the region. Check out our reviews here, Taylor & Sons Reviews.

#4 – Other ServicesFor now, you may just need a basic oil change. However, as your vehicle ages, it is sure to need other auto services along the way. You will need new tires at some point, you may need to have your battery replaced, and a brake job will likely be necessary. No matter what the maintenance need happens to be, you can trust Taylor & Sons to be up to the challenge. By coming here for your oil changes as well, you will already have a relationship with the service department, and it will be a seamless process to come in for other work in the future. Your life is busy enough as it is – you don’t need to complicate things by trying to work with a variety of different auto shops. Trust a professional shop like Taylor & Sons and check auto maintenance off of your to-do list.

#5- Prompt WorkYou don’t have all day to sit around while you wait for your oil change to be completed. An oil change should be a relatively simple job, and it shouldn’t take particularly long to finish. If you are consistently waiting a long period of time to get your car back after an oil change, it might be time to visit a different location. For a change of pace, try Taylor & Sons for your next oil change service. We value your time, and we think you will be pleasantly surprised with how quickly you can get in and out of your service department.

#6- Professional ServiceThere is still something to be said for good old-fashioned customer service, even in the modern world. If you want to be treated like more than just a number, you need to visit a location which actually values your business and wants to build a long-lasting relationship. That is certainly not going to be the case when you take your car to a quick lube place that offers cheap oil changes. Since all they do is oil changes, and they compete on price more than anything else, you shouldn’t expect anything resembling quality service. To receive the kind of service you deserve, come to Taylor & Sons. Our team will treat you like the valuable customer that you are, and we will take the care of your vehicle just as seriously as you do.

Thank you for considering Taylor & Sons in Sandpoint for your oil change needs. We know that there are a variety of options in the area, and we would appreciate your business. Whether you just need a basic oil change or your vehicle is due for some more complex maintenance work, our team is ready to handle the job. We hope to serve you soon! https://goo.gl/wJvaW7

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